Mālō e lelei, Ni Sa Bula, Talofa, Kia ora and welcome. My name is Latai Fa'apoi and this is a blog in which I will share insights experienced through the course of my professional learning journey. I am a Teacher of year 7/8 learners at Stonefields School in Auckland alongside my mentor teacher, Ollie Baker. I am also a member of the 2016 Manaiakalani Digital Teachers Academy (MDTA) cohort.

Friday, 17 February 2017

This week I have been reflecting on human nature and more specifically about the fact that I tend to stand down from doing something or engaging in something if there is someone more competent than myself around to do it. Over the past three weeks, I have found there has been a plethora of opportunities to step up, without my 'mentor teacher' in the Hub alongside me. It is interesting to reflect on the extent of which this subconscious notion dictated my actions within the hub last year. It's almost like I have taken off my training wheels. My mentor teacher is an amazing resource to go to when I get stuck, but some really healthy pressure to just do things is produced when they aren't around to save your behind!

Monday, 6 February 2017

How strange it feels to write that title! I cannot believe how fast last year whizzed by. I begin this year with a whole lot of excitement, but it would be a lie to say that it is completely without some angst. With the first week of school over (and a 3-day week at that!) I am feeling overwhelmed at the amount of things to do. There are so many little things to do that take up so much time. I replied to my emails just the other day and it took me an hour! With University obligations as well as a ‘real full-time teacher’s’ job, it is important now more than ever that I am staying on-top of my workload, and in doing so...maintaining a sense of wellbeing! With 60 learners between 2 teachers as opposed to 3 teachers and 45 learners last year, there is no time to be wasted and no learning left to chance!

Some strategies I have put in place:

Work Monday - Thursday at school until 6 and don’t bring work home (unless I have an assignment due or a dissertation deadline looming)

Make Tuesday a university only day (which means I need to be super on to it on Mondays!)

Work half a weekend day (Who knows if this is realistic or not - will give it a go!)

Leave school before 4 on Fridays

Ask for help whenever I need it

If I can start a task right now, do it right now - (this will be my affirmation I say in the mirror every morning).

Check back with me at the end of the term and see if I stuck to my guns!